ANIMAL-LOVING drinkers are clubbing together to raise funds for Gwent animal rescue shelter All Creatures Great and Small using bikes, blues and barnets.

Volunteers from the Cwmbran Rifle Club are holding a sponsored head shave, cycle ride and a jazz evening in aid of the threatened animal sanctuary, which has launched a Save Our Sanctuary Appeal to raise £150,000 by the end of September.

On Saturday, duo Blusie Susie and Craig Webb - regulars at Ronnie Scott's jazz club in Birmingham - will perform from 8pm.

The pair adopted their cat from the centre in Llanfrechfa and are eager to help save it from closure.

During Saturday's fundraising evening, seven men will have their heads shaved to raise more than £250.

Local businesses have donated prizes ranging from a huge cuddly English sheepdog toy to a full Swedish body massage, and a meal for two at the Star Inn in Ponthir.

Jaci Thomas, who has organised the night with husband Ralph, said: "Some of the raffle prizes are out of this world and everyone has given their time and help for free, including the singers and the staff at the rifle club. I hope we can raise over £1,000."

Tickets for the jazz night are £3 and available at the club. Additional donations are welcome.

Next Friday, eight club members will attempt a sponsored 50-mile bike ride from Cwmbran to Monmouth - via the Monmouth and Brecon Canal and Little Mill, Usk and Dingestow.

Mr Thomas will be offering support and carrying the tents in his car for an overnight camp free of charge in the garden of the Somerset Arms, in Dingestow.

He said: "All Creatures is such a worthwhile charity. I go up there and do a bit of work for Viv Harris and know how hard she works up there. We have managed to get quite a lot of people involved in this fundraising and they have all been brilliant."

Viv Harris added: "People who attend are going to be treated to a nice, moody evening. "We have also got a big signed photograph donated by Helen Adams to auction."

To sponsor any of the participants or take part in Saturday night's events, contact Jaci or Ralph Thomas on 01633 766336 or Cwmbran Rifle Club on 01633 483296.

*PICTURED: Viv Harris, founder of All Creatures Great and Small, with a puppy helped by the sanctuary.